I actually think Shattenkirk is probably the "best" option at this point. Tanev is a little risky, but he's alright too. I'm really not a big believer in Hamonic and Gudas is okay but far from being a solution. Losing out on a chance to grab DeMelo is tough.

Yeah Demelo was definitely choice #1 for me. Not a huge fan of Tanev. Shatty would fit well beside Muzzin, I don't think that solves the problem of Rielly needing a partner, I don't think he fits there. I would take Gudas at closer to what Justin Braun got (who I also liked) at around 2 mil. Anymore than that he's probably not worth it. Other third pair options are TVR and *gulp* Cody Ceci if he'd take a deal. He'd actually be pretty solid on the third pair.

Hamonic I would have targeted last year but he had a horrible year and you need to be confident he can regain his form playing beside Rielly to give him the money he wants. Brodie is a great option but probably wants more term then we want to give him.

With the guys that have been signed in the last few days, I think it seems more likely Toronto explores a trade now and uses UFA to upgrade some forwards than vice versa as I thought before.

I think Shattenkirk is a better all-around player than people give him credit for. Really solid defensive metrics and he's solid on the power play. I definitely see the risk in playing him 22-23 minutes a night next to Rielly, but his play style I think could suit the Leafs very well. Not sure if he'd be interested in Toronto, I feel like I remember in 17 when he was a UFA there was something about him not wanting to play in Canada but I could be wrong about that. Gudas for relatively cheap would be okay, but don't expected too too much imo. TVR and Ceci are fine depth options I suppose, but you know how Ceci goes lol.

A trade (or a big swing at Petro) is probably increasingly likely, you're right

DeMelo was my number one pick for this offseason and I'm very upset he re-upped in Winnipeg.

I'm think Vatenen and Gudas wouldn't be terrible options for Toronto if they can acquire them without breaking the bank. Tanev is a very meh option; he'd do well but it's almost a guarantee he won't be available for most of the season. Not sure I want Toronto to lock down 4 million on that.

TJ Brodie is left handed, but he prefers to play the right side and he was their target last summer before they traded for Barrie, so I'd bet on them signing him. Especially since he didn't have a great year offensively, so maybe he's willing to take a bit of a pay cut.

Shattenkirk does okay, you're right. He's just not the type of partner I think of when I want a match for Rielly. I think he'd still be a decent option. I can see them making a play for David Savard for sure.